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Lawrie makes progress, but still needs time

Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt discusses the injury that forced Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie out of the World Baseball Classic

By Evan Peaslee
/
MLB.com |

TORONTO -- Brett Lawrie took part in some light drills Saturday, but the Blue Jays still don't have a timetable for the third baseman's return.

Lawrie injured the left side of his ribs while preparing for the World Baseball Classic with Canada and hasn't seen game action since early March.

The Blue Jays were hopeful that the 23-year-old would have been ready to play in a Minor League game this weekend, but that timetable has been pushed back a little.

Lawrie threw from 120 feet, took swings off a tee and soft toss, fielded ground balls and ran sprints at the club's facility in Dunedin, Fla. Lawrie reported that everything felt good as he continues to progress.

The team still isn't sure when he'll get into a game, but he will need an extended rehab assignment in the Minor Leagues after missing most of Spring Training.

Evan Peaslee is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.